---
title: Heartland School Solutions | Connections (5)
description: (5)
---

[![Heartland-AGPC-logo-main](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/Heartland-AGPC-logo-main.png?width=168&height=31&name=Heartland-AGPC-logo-main.png)](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en) ![Heartland](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/aglobalpaymentscompany_identifier_grey.png)

- [Back to Main Site](https://www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com/)

- [Back to Main Site](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/)
- Products 
    - [Nutrition Technology](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology)
    - [Payment Solutions](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions)
- Support 
    - [Support Central](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/support-central)
    - [Technical Consulting](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/consulting)
- Events 
    - [Training Events](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/training-events)
    - [Shows and Conferences](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/shows-and-conferences)
    - [Connect 2026](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect)
- About 
    - [Our Story](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/our-story)
    - [Partnerships](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/integrations)
    - [Careers](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/careers)
- Resources 
    - [Webinars](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/webinars-nutrition)
    - [Guides & Templates](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/resources/guides-templates)
    - [Blog](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com)

# ![Connections Blog](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/LP_Templates/Connections-Blog/Connections-Blog-Logo-2024.svg)

Fresh insights for school leaders

## [Plan your next school event in 5 easy steps](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/plan-your-next-school-event-in-5-easy-steps)

 By [Emily Schoeneck](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/emily-schoeneck)

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/high%20school%20event%20%232%20-%20blog%20header.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/plan-your-next-school-event-in-5-easy-steps)

Planning a school event can take a lot of time, effort, and resources. From scheduling the event to coordinating all the little details, there’s a lot that must be done. Let’s take a look at the 5 important steps to make sure your event is set up for success. 

[**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/plan-your-next-school-event-in-5-easy-steps)

## [A perfect pairing: Springfield Public School’s journey with MCS](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/a-perfect-pairing-springfield-public-schools-journey-with-mcs)

 By [Melissa Colopietro](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/melissa-colopietro)

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Springfield_Blog_Header.png)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/a-perfect-pairing-springfield-public-schools-journey-with-mcs)

In the world of school nutrition, efficiency and accuracy are crucial. For Springfield Public Schools in Massachusetts, delivering nutritious meals to over 28,000 students across 66 public schools and 12 charter/parochial schools is no small feat. We recently had the opportunity to visit Springfield Public Schools, where we saw firsthand how they utilize MCS to manage their operations from Back of House to Front of House. 

[**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/a-perfect-pairing-springfield-public-schools-journey-with-mcs)

## [Let’s celebrate National School Lunch Week 2023](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/lets-celebrate-national-school-lunch-week-2023)

 By [Emily Liptak](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/emily-liptak)

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog%20Header%20NSLW%202023-1.png)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/lets-celebrate-national-school-lunch-week-2023)

A healthy lunch is more than just a meal. It fuels young minds and supports learning and growth. Every year during the second week of October, [National School Lunch Week](https://schoolnutrition.org/about-school-meals/national-school-lunch-week/) serves as a reminder that a well-balanced lunch is an essential part of every student's day. By showcasing the importance of a healthy lunch, we can encourage better eating habits while promoting overall wellness among students.

[**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/lets-celebrate-national-school-lunch-week-2023)

## [The how to’s for managing meal debt in 2023 and beyond](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/the-how-tos-for-managing-meal-debt-in-2023-and-beyond)

 By [Emily Liptak](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/emily-liptak)

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Lunch%20Debt%20-%20Blog%20Header.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/the-how-tos-for-managing-meal-debt-in-2023-and-beyond)

In summer 2022 universal free meal waivers expired and, due to this change, many school nutrition programs are again faced with the challenge of managing student meal debt. In a [November 2022 survey](https://schoolnutrition.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2023-School-Nutrition-Trends-Report.pdf) of school nutrition directors conducted by the School Nutrition Association, districts reported meal debt as low as $15 and as high as $1.7 million with an accumulated debt totaling over 19 million dollars nationwide. 

[**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/the-how-tos-for-managing-meal-debt-in-2023-and-beyond)

## [6 ways your POS software can help with staff shortages](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/6-ways-your-pos-software-can-help-with-staff-shortages)

 By [Melissa Colopietro](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/melissa-colopietro)

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/TY%20LP%20-%20Hubspot%20-%20Upgrade%20POS%20-%20020723.png)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/6-ways-your-pos-software-can-help-with-staff-shortages)

Choosing the right Point of Sale software for your school district can be a daunting task. With so many factors to consider, from data security to user experience, it's easy to get lost in the weeds. However, one crucial factor that often goes overlooked is how your POS software can help you deal with staff shortages.

In fact, according to the School Nutrition Association's 2023 School Nutrition Trends Report, over 90% of schools report staff shortages as a challenge. Hear from our Nutrition experts, Mike Walker and Katy Munna, as they discuss how your POS software can help alleviate the hardship of staff shortages.

[**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/6-ways-your-pos-software-can-help-with-staff-shortages)

## [My first time at Connect](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/my-first-time-at-connect)

 By [Melissa Colopietro](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/melissa-colopietro)

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Connect%202023%20Recap%20-%20Blog%20Header.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/my-first-time-at-connect)

Our Connect conference is our largest training event of the year! This year, we gathered together in-person in Nashville for the first time since 2019. As a Marketing Specialist here at Heartland, I had the opportunity to participate in the conference for the first time. I am thrilled to be sharing my experience at Connect 2023. 

[**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/my-first-time-at-connect)

## [See These Faces and More at Connect 2023!](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/see-these-faces-and-more-at-connect-2023-general)

 By [Melissa Colopietro](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/melissa-colopietro)

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Blog%20Header%20-%20Connect%202023.png)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/see-these-faces-and-more-at-connect-2023-general)

Next week we're heading to Nashville for Connect 2023! After a two-year hiatus, Connect is back live and in person. Join us at the Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt University to meet with product experts, attend over 30 live sessions, network with your peers, and reconnect with the Heartland team.

[**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/see-these-faces-and-more-at-connect-2023-general)

## [Experience It All at Connect 2023 – Here’s What To Expect](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/experience-it-all-at-connect23-heres-what-to-expect)

 By [Melissa Colopietro](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/melissa-colopietro)

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Connect23-Connections-Blog-Header.png)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/experience-it-all-at-connect23-heres-what-to-expect)

Connect 2023 is almost here! Join us in Nashville March 21-22 or virtually March 27-30 for our largest training conference of the year. This is your chance to learn more about your Heartland products, connect with peers, meet with product experts, and so much more. Here are a few things to look forward to:

[**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/experience-it-all-at-connect23-heres-what-to-expect)

## [How purchasing cooperatives are changing the way schools buy from vendors](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/how-purchasing-cooperatives-are-changing-the-way-schools-buy-from-vendors)

 By [Aaron Thein](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/aaron-thein)

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/blog-co-op-sep-2022.jpeg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/how-purchasing-cooperatives-are-changing-the-way-schools-buy-from-vendors)

Every year, school districts all across the country release multiple Request for Proposals (RFPs) to procure a full range of goods and services including cafeteria food purchases, equipment, office supplies, technology services, and more.  While RFPs play an essential role in the buying process, they are also very time-consuming and costly to develop. That’s why many districts are increasingly turning to purchasing cooperatives to simplify the entire procurement process.

[**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/how-purchasing-cooperatives-are-changing-the-way-schools-buy-from-vendors)

## [Welcome to the 2022-23 school year!](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/welcome-to-the-2022-23-school-year)

 By [Jeremy Loch](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/author/jeremy-loch)

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[![](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/bts-welcome-back-2022-blog-header.jpg)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/welcome-to-the-2022-23-school-year)

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Summer has ended and a new school year is here! We look forward to serving you and the families in your community as you ramp up for your busiest time of year.

We know the start of school is a critical time for you and your staff. Our goal is to help make it as calm and stress-free as possible (though as a parent myself, I'm not sure that it is!) by anticipating your needs and questions in advance.

[**Read More ⟶**](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/welcome-to-the-2022-23-school-year)

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### Recent Posts

### Posts by Topic

- [School Lunch (42)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-lunch)
- [School Payments (33)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-payments)
- [MySchoolBucks (31)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/myschoolbucks)
- [Point of Sale software (21)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/point-of-sale-software)
- [Conferences (19)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/conferences)
- [School Nutrition Regulation (16)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-nutrition-regulation)
- [School Breakfast (14)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-breakfast)
- [Training (13)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/training)
- [Menu Planning (11)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/menu-planning)
- [Connect (10)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/connect)
- [Social Media (10)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/social-media)
- [Contests & Grants (9)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/contests-grants)
- [How to (9)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/how-to)
- [Parent Newsletters (9)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/parent-newsletters)
- [Recipes (8)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/recipes)
- [Hardware (7)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/hardware)
- [School Fundraising (7)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-fundraising)
- [Afterschool Programs (6)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/afterschool-programs)
- [MCS software (6)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/mcs-software)
- [Mosaic Cloud (6)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/mosaic-cloud)
- [Cloud-Based Solutions (5)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/cloud-based-solutions)
- [invoicing (5)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/invoicing)
- [nutrition program (5)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/nutrition-program)
- [Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) (4)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/community-eligibility-provision-cep)
- [Farm to School (4)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/farm-to-school)
- [MealViewer (4)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/mealviewer)
- [School Store (4)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-store)
- [free downloads (4)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/free-downloads)
- [Data Security (3)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/data-security)
- [Digital Signage (3)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/digital-signage)
- [Donations (3)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/donations)
- [Free & Reduced (3)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/free-reduced)
- [Lunch Debt (3)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/lunch-debt)
- [School Accounting (3)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-accounting)
- [back to school (3)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/back-to-school)
- [school commerce platform (3)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-commerce-platform)
- [Cashless Campus (2)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/cashless-campus)
- [Customer Testimonial (2)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/customer-testimonial)
- [Direct Certification (2)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/direct-certification)
- [Happy holidays (2)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/happy-holidays)
- [MSB Activities (2)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/msb-activities)
- [MSB Tickets (2)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/msb-tickets)
- [Meal Ordering (2)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/meal-ordering)
- [National School Lunch Week (2)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/national-school-lunch-week)
- [Nutrikids (2)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/nutrikids)
- [Webinars (2)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/webinars)
- [ANC (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/anc)
- [Activities (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/activities)
- [Black History Month (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/black-history-month)
- [Communications (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/communications)
- [Contactless Payments (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/contactless-payments)
- [Meal Debt (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/meal-debt)
- [Partnerships (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/partnerships)
- [Pickle Juice (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/pickle-juice)
- [Procurement (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/procurement)
- [School events (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-events)
- [Serving in the Classroom (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/serving-in-the-classroom)
- [Women's History Month (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/womens-history-month)
- [school commerce (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-commerce)
- [school fees (1)](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/topic/school-fees)

See All »

[![Heartland](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/hubfs/Heartland_May2018/images/logo.png)](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com)

### Nutrition Technology

- [Point of Sale](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/point-of-sale)
- [Free and Reduced](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/free-and-reduced)
- [Online Applications](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/online-applications)
- [Menu Planning](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/menu-planning)
- [Meal Orders](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/meal-orders)
- [Ordering Inventory](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/ordering-inventory)
- [Digital Menus](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/nutrition-technology/mealviewer)

### Payment Solutions

- [School Store](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/school-store)
- [Student Invoicing](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/student-invoicing)
- [School Program Management](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/msb-activities)
- [Tickets & Event Management](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/ticketing)
- [School Funds Accounting](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/school-funds-accounting)
- [In-Person Payments](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/msb-anywhere)
- [Meal Payments](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/payment-solutions/meals)

### Events

- [Training Events](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/training-events)
- [Shows and Conferences](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/shows-and-conferences)
- [Connect 2026](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/connect)

### Support

- [Support Central](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/support-central)
- [Technical Consulting](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/consulting)

### About

- [Our Story](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/our-story)
- [Partnerships](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/integrations)
- [Careers](https://www.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/en/about/careers)

### Resources

- [Webinars](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/webinars-nutrition)
- [Guides & Templates](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/resources/guides-templates)
- [Blog](https://blog.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/)

### Contact Sales

800.423.2113

### Contact

- [Contact Sales](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/contact-us)
- [Contact Support](https://info.heartlandschoolsolutions.com/support-central#help)

### [Social](https://www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com/school-solutions)

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### Location

765 Jefferson Road, #400  
Rochester, NY 14623

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Heartland Payment Systems, LLC is a registered ISO of PNC Bank, N.A., Pittsburgh PA, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, New York, NY.

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